Gibraltar, a British Overseas Territory located at the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula, is back in the news after Spain's prime minister, Pedro Sánchez, said his country will reject the UK's draft Brexit withdrawal deal without a clarification of the text on future talks on the status of the Rock. Meanwhile, this monolithic limestone promontory remains one of the most unusual tourists destinations in Europe. So, what's so special about the Rock?

Browse the gallery for ideas of where to go and what to see, and learn a little about Gibraltar's history along the way.

Treaty of Utrecht - The territory was captured from Spain by Anglo-Dutch forces in 1704, during the War of the Spanish Succession. It was ceded to Great Britain under the Treaty of Utrecht in 1713. Pictured (left) is a first edition of the treaty. On the right is a later edition, in Latin and English.

Strategic value - The Rock has always been strategically important. Pictured during the Second World War is a Douglas Dakota silhouetted by batteries of searchlights as ground crews prepare it for a night flight to the United Kingdom.

Europa Point - The southernmost point of Gibraltar is distinguished by several landmarks, one of which is the 19th-century Europa Point Lighthouse. On clear days, the coast of North Africa across the Strait of Gibraltar is easily discernible.

Originally constructed during the Second World War and developed considerably since, the airport is known for its runway, built by reclaiming land from the Bay of Gibraltar. Unusually, road and pedestrian access into the Rock crosses the airport apron.

The summit - Gibraltar's lofty summit, known as the Upper Rock area, forms part of the Gibraltar Nature Reserve. An important resting point for migrating birds, the area is also known for its population of semi-wild Barbary macaques.

Barbary macaques - One of the defining images of Gibraltar is the super cuddly but notoriously cheeky Barbary macaque. Around 300 animals occupy the Upper Rock area, and they remain one of the Rock's top tourist attractions.

Travel by cable car - The easiest and certainly the most novel way of reaching the Upper Rock area is to take a cable car. The gondolas afford eye-popping views of the town below before reaching Ape's Den station. An audio tour guide adds historical context to the experience.

Casemates Square - Gibraltar's shopping and restaurant hub centers around scenic Casemates Square. The pedestrian zone is built on sand that was once a beach, dating back to Gibraltar's Moorish period.

St. Michael's Cave - Complementing the man-made tunnel system is a network of spectacular naturally formed caves known collectively as St. Michael's Cave. Pictured is the illuminated auditorium cave at the "Cathedral Cave" chamber.

Myths and legends - The Rock was thought to be one of the legendary Pillars of Hercules, with St. Michael's Cave acting as a gateway to a subterranean tunnel which passed under the Strait of Gibraltar—the route Barbary macaques are supposed to have taken to reach Europe!

The Moorish Castle - Dating back to the late 13th and early 14th centuries, Gibraltar's Moorish Castle is a dominant feature of the Rock's skyline. The Tower of Homage (pictured) is the highest tower from the Islamic period in the Iberian Peninsula.

Celebrated annually on September 10, the day commemorates Gibraltar's first sovereignty referendum of 1967. Gibraltarians voted overwhelmingly to remain under British sovereignty rather than pass under Spanish sovereignty.

Gibraltar: Rock of ages

What's so unique about this ancient Mediterranean limestone promontory?

Gibraltar, a British Overseas Territory located at the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula, is back in the news after Spain's prime minister, Pedro Sánchez, said his country will reject the UK's draft Brexit withdrawal deal without a clarification of the text on future talks on the status of the Rock. Meanwhile, this monolithic limestone promontory remains one of the most unusual tourists destinations in Europe. So, what's so special about the Rock?

Browse the gallery for ideas of where to go and what to see, and learn a little about Gibraltar's history along the way.